Lake and river kayaking guide

Do go on a lake or river kayaking vacation if…

…you like to see things from a new perspective. Your river or lake-level position is ideal for viewing the variety of fish and birdlife, and kayaking opens a door to otherwise unseen local culture too. …you like to get close to nature. From falling in the water (although not essential) to wild camping, kayaking isn’t a spectator sport. …you’re into conservation. Sadly, most rivers are at threat from pollution and development. As kayakers tend to be passionate defenders of their natural playground, they’re great for learning about local landscapes and wildlife

There are many different ways to get out on the water. You could be using a sea kayak to cruise down rivers, splashing about in an open top kayak, or exploring a lake with an inflatable and a tent. You could take the kids away on a family-friendly canoeing vacation or discover the thrill of white water kayaking.

“The boats you use are actually very important depending on what you’re going to be doing. If you get the wrong kind of boat it could completely ruin the experience,” explains Ben Heywood, co-founder of our adventure travel specialists Undiscovered Montenegro. “We’re very careful to make sure that the boats we have are suitable for the purpose they’re being used for.”

It’s one of many reasons why you should choose a kayaking vacation that’s organised by trained and qualified leaders. Some will tailor your tour to your exact specifications, others offer small, friendly group tours with a good ratio of guides to paddlers. Many trips are open to all levels, including novices – something you may want to bear in mind if you’re more experienced. But, as with any adventure vacation, a minimum level of fitness is often required and groups are usually arranged depending on ability.